Quarterfinals: Nekoma vs. Shiratorizawa – First Set
Quarterfinals: Nekoma vs. Shiratorizawa – First Set
The first set began with both teams locked in an intense battle, each determined to establish dominance early. Shiratorizawa relied on their brute force and Wakatoshi Ushijima's devastating spikes, while Nekoma countered with their defensive prowess and strategic plays orchestrated by Kenma Kozume.
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Opening Rally: Ushijima's Power vs. Nekoma's Defense
Ushijima's powerful jump serves continued to test Nekoma's resolve. His second serve blasted toward Lev Haiba, who miscalculated the trajectory. The ball ricocheted awkwardly, but Yaku dived in to save it, sending the ball soaring high.
Kenma swiftly positioned himself under the ball. "Lev, take the center!" he called, directing the towering middle blocker. The set was sharp and low, forcing Lev to adjust mid-air. He swung with full force, but Shiratorizawa's middle blocker, Tendo Satori, read the play and blocked it cleanly.
Point Shiratorizawa. The score stood at 1-1.
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Trading Points: Wakasa vs. Ushijima
The rally set the tone for the rest of the set, with both teams trading points. Wakasa Kiyoshi stepped up as Nekoma's offensive leader, utilizing his powerful spikes and precise placement to score. Kenma's ability to vary the tempo of his sets gave Wakasa the edge against Shiratorizawa's blockers.
Ushijima, on the other hand, was relentless. His left-handed spikes tore through Nekoma's blocks, even when Kuroo and Inouka formed a formidable double wall.
By the midpoint of the set, the score was tied at 15-15, with both teams refusing to back down.
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Turning the Tide: Nekoma's Defense Shines
Kenma began to shift Nekoma's strategy, focusing on tiring Shiratorizawa's blockers. Quick sets to Lev and Kuroo forced Tendo and Goshiki to jump repeatedly, wearing them down.
Yaku's brilliance in the back row was on full display as he read Ushijima's attacks with precision. During one particularly intense rally, Ushijima unleashed a cross-court spike aimed at the back corner. Yaku slid into position, digging the ball perfectly and keeping the play alive.
"Nice receive!" Kuroo called, setting up a counterattack.
Kenma, noticing Shiratorizawa's defense shifting toward Wakasa, set a quick ball to Inouka. The middle blocker smashed it down the seam, catching their opponents off-guard and giving Nekoma a crucial point.
Score: 20-19, Nekoma leads.
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Final Stretch: Wakasa Takes Control
As the set neared its conclusion, Wakasa stepped up to deliver. His ability to adapt to Shiratorizawa's defense was on full display as he mixed in sharp cross-court spikes, soft tips, and powerful straight-line shots.
On one pivotal play, Kenma set a high ball to Wakasa. With Tendo and Ushijima forming a double block, Wakasa adjusted mid-air, slamming the ball off Tendo's fingertips and out of bounds.
"Point Nekoma! Wakasa Kiyoshi is unstoppable!" the commentator exclaimed.
The crowd roared as the scoreboard showed 24-23, Nekoma with set point.
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Set Point: Wakasa Seals the Deal
The final rally of the set was a nail-biter. Shiratorizawa served aggressively, putting Nekoma on the defensive. Yaku's steady receive allowed Kenma to set a high ball to Wakasa.
Ushijima and Tendo prepared their block, but Wakasa's jump was explosive. With perfect timing, he powered the ball through the narrow gap between their arms, slamming it into the court with authority.
"Set won by Nekoma! 25-23!"
The gym erupted in cheers as Nekoma's players swarmed Wakasa in celebration. The first-year ace had delivered when it mattered most, proving his dominance and securing the lead for his team.
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Commentary
"What a set! Nekoma's defense held strong, and their offense, led by Wakasa Kiyoshi, proved too much for Shiratorizawa to handle," the commentator said.
"Shiratorizawa won't take this lightly. Expect them to come back even stronger in the second set," the co-commentator added.
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The teams returned to their benches, strategizing for the next set. Nekoma had the momentum, but Shiratorizawa was far from out of the match.